Wish-Granting Volunteer Denise Goes Above and Beyond for her Wish Kids
Meet our dedicated wish granting volunteer Denise!
Every week, Make-A-Wish sends a list of children waiting for wishes to all wish-granting volunteers so they can sign up for wishes. Two years ago, wish-granting volunteer Denise saw the same child appear on this list week after week, awaiting volunteers to make his wish possible. After seeing the same child on the list several times, Denise knew she had to do something.
You see, the little boy waiting for his wish needed bilingual volunteers since he and his family spoke predominantly Spanish. Children who need bilingual volunteers often wait longer for their volunteers to be assigned as there are a limited number of Spanish-speaking Make-A-Wish volunteers. So, in December 2020, Denise asked Santa for Spanish lessons. Since then, she’s taken several courses and meets weekly with two tutors.
“I want to learn Spanish to help grant wishes for Spanish-speaking families in our community. I know there is a need for more Spanish-speaking volunteers,” said Denise. "I'm hoping that I can make a difference in these children's lives by learning the language.”
Fast forward two years, Denise is now volunteering with a Spanish-speaking family, with the support of a fluent Spanish-Speaking volunteer. “I hope to someday be fluent in Spanish to help more Make-A-Wish children in our state.”
“Granting a wish is a magical process. You get the opportunity to bring joy and laughter to children with critical illnesses. Volunteering for Make-A-Wish will change your life. You will get the chance to bring hope to a seriously ill child."
There is nothing better in this world than being a Make-A-Wish volunteer.
Denise
wish-granting volunteer
Denise and one of the many wish families she has helped to grant their wish!
Wish granting volunteers, like Denise, make a real impact on the lives of local children facing critical illnesses.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the life-changing work of becoming a volunteer, especially if you are bilingual in Spanish and English, please visit our website and sign up to volunteer today!
Wish-granting volunteers work in teams of two and partner with a staff member to coordinate all the exciting details that make each wish so special. You are given the support and resources needed to make every wish a fun and meaningful experience for all involved. You can make a life-changing difference in the lives of local kids with this incredible and unique hands-on volunteer experience.
Denise showing her Make-A-Wish (and Seahawks!) pride at Horseshoe Bend in Arizona!